Urban cycling and air quality: Characterizing cyclist exposure to particulate-related pollution

Bogotá is a leading city with regard to urban cycling infrastructure in Latin America. This study evaluated cyclist exposure to particle-related air pollution on selected bicycle lanes in Bogotá. We provide new data on cyclist inhalation rates and the chemical composition of ambient particulate matter. We measured real-time concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) on two different bicycles lanes. Cyclist exposure to PM2.5 and BC ranged between 10.5 and 36.0 μg/m3 and 4.5 and 7.9 μg/m3, respectively. The highest exposure was measured on bicycle lanes adjacent to roads with major vehicular traffic. We also measured PM2.5 concentrations by a gravimetric method using a fixed monitoring point located in one of the bicycle stretches. The chemical composition of PM2.5 showed high concentrations of Ca, Fe, Al, and Mg, with mean values ranging from 63 ng/m3 to 286 ng/m3. The detected trace elements were Cu, Zn, and Ba at concentrations exceeding 10 ng/m3. Our results highlight the influence of traffic emissions (direct emissions and PM resuspension) on cyclist exposure to hazardous air pollutants (such as PM2.5 and BC). Our findings emphasize the need to consider air quality in the urban planning and implementing of cycling infrastructure. •Cyclists are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 and black carbon.•Bicycle lanes adjacent to major streets are more influenced by traffic pollution.•Defining exclusive bicycle lanes does not guarantee low exposure to air pollution.•Cyclists are exposed to hazardous trace elements such as Cr, Ni, As, Co, Pb, and Cd.•Air quality should be considered when implementing urban cycling infrastructure.